VANCOUVER — The wife of an Alberta Mountie whose controversial transfer to B.C. ignited a political firestorm claims the force is making an example of him.

Janet Ray, the wife of Sgt. Don Ray, sent a letter Tuesday to media outlets, B.C. Premier Christy Clark and RCMP brass, in which she suggests media reports have been unfairly bashing her husband, and that the force turned on Ray only after details of his alcohol and sexual-related misconduct in Alberta were reported.

Details from Ray’s misconduct hearing were reported in May, including how he exposed himself to a female co-worker, had alcohol-fuelled parties at his Edmonton detachment, and used his position to drink with and have sex with subordinate co-workers.

He admitted to seven counts of disgraceful conduct between 2006 and 2009. He was demoted one rank and docked 10 days pay.

Janet Ray writes that her husband excelled for years in the RCMP but the couple’s family life faltered and his misconduct occurred after he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder connected to difficult policing duties in Sierra Leone in 2003.

Sgt. Ray was like most Mounties, Janet Ray writes. He worked in a tough job, used alcohol to “debrief” after big cases and to celebrate policing victories — something that most RCMP spouses can relate to.

She says her husband’s transfer to B.C. was the RCMP’s idea, and the force seemed to be pleased with his work and happy to have him, until news of his case was reported.

After B.C. politicians — including former solicitor general Kash Heed and Premier Christy Clark — questioned the transfer, RCMP Comm. Bob Paulson stated that he understood their concerns and indicated that Ray’s case was an example of outrageous behaviour.

Janet Ray writes that she can’t understand why her husband’s misdeeds are worthy of more publicity than another controversial Mountie transfer to B.C. which the Vancouver Province reported on in June — one involving an inspector from Saskatchewan who admitted to assaulting a co-worker and was found guilty of drunk-driving, in incidents judged by the RCMP to be connected to his admitted alcoholism.

The Province reported details of the inspector’s case, but withheld his name based on his candid disclosure that cites an ongoing challenge with alcoholism.

“The media has chosen to continue covering Don’s story like he’s the poster boy for bad behaviour in the RCMP,” Janet Ray writes. “And the force certainly seems to be making an example of him. I guess if you focus on one person long enough it diverts attention from everyone else.”

In interviews, B.C. RCMP brass said the main difference between Ray and the unnamed Saskatchewan Mountie is that misconduct in the latter case was connected to admitted alcoholism, and never included allegations of harassment or sexual misconduct.

Janet Ray also seems to challenge what B.C.’s top Mountie Deputy Comm. Craig Callens told the Province in an interview concerning the cases of Sgt. Ray and the Saskatchewan Mountie.

Callens said consultations about Ray’s transfer occurred in October, before he had full knowledge of allegations against Ray.

“I take responsibility for not asking more questions about it, and certainly the systems I have put in place now before anybody is transferred to B.C., require that all details arising from conduct matters be provided in advance before a transfer is confirmed,” Callens said.

However, in her letter Janet Ray writes, “as far as we knew, details of the (misconduct) investigation were shared with Don’s superiors in B.C.”

Janet Ray says that her husband has quit drinking, is in ongoing therapy and is again a loving husband and father.

“I have observed his commitment of continuing to go to work and excel, at times within an environment nothing short of schoolyard bullying,” Janet Ray writes.

Janet Ray and RCMP management have not yet responded to interview requests concerning her letter.